Bell ringers

There have been bells at St Martin’s for over 450 years and some magnificent ringing performances are recorded on peal boards in the tower from 1776 when 8 bells were installed. The present peal of 10 bells was installed by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1920 and was fully overhauled in 2012. The band of ringers attends every Sunday morning to ring for half an hour before service and to wind the church clock. They also ring on Sunday evenings when there is choral evensong and at other times for weddings and special occasions.

The ringers are of all ages and welcome visitors and new recruits. We will teach anyone who is physically fit (and over the age of 10 years). Like any musical instrument, it takes time, dedication and perseverance to learn, but you do not need to be musical. There is a whole special language and many mysteries to ringing, but you become a member of an international community that will involve you in a lifetime of social, physical and mental enjoyment. We practise every Monday evening from 8 to 9.30 pm, so please come along then or contact us to find out more.